HARROW In Leaf's sixth annual horticultural show has invited local Queen Elizabeth look-a-like Mary Reynolds as its special guest and to open proceedings.

As well as seeing all the entries in the various plant, flower and vegetable competition categories, visitors can purchase produce grown by allotment holders and honey and wax products made by the members of Harrow Beekeepers Association.

Families can enjoy rides, face painting, and a bouncy castle, there is storytelling and seed sowing for children, plus live music and dancing, craft and charity stalls, a raffle and tombola, and lots of plants for sale.

what? Harrow in LEAF horticultural show where? Harrow Museum and Heritage Centre, Pinner View, Harrow when? Sunday August 29 and Monday August 30, from noon to 6pm cost? £2, free to under 12s see: www.harrowinleaf.org.uk

On the trail of crime

CHILDREN have a chance to become a real-life Sherlock Holmes at a sleuthing event.

Under the guidance of police officers, families will be able to solve a 'crime' at Kenton Recreation Ground and learn about the techniques employed by detectives, such as Baker Street's most famous resident, by finding clues and following an evidence trail.

The activity - which has only a limited number of places available - is funded by Harrow Council and the Metropolitan Police.

what? Sleuthing event for children where? Kenton Recreation Ground, Carlton Avenue, Kenton when? Wednesday, August 25 and Thursday, August 26 cost? Free contact: To book a place, call Chris Langley on 020 8907 5984 or email christopher.langley.esq@hotmail.com

Rollin Stoned gig

A FUNDRAISING gig for St Luke's Hospice is being held by a Rolling Stones tribute act.

The band, Rollin Stoned, are playing the spot as their manager, Dennis Weymouth, died at the hospice in Kenton Grange, Kenton.

It has been organised by Harrow on the Hill journalist and tutor Jayn Lee Miller, who said Mick Jagger and Keith Richards have donated a signed, framed photograph for auction on the night.

what? Fundraising concert where? Harrow Arts Centre, Uxbridge Road, Hatch End when? Saturday, August 21, 7.45pm cost? £15 contact: Box office on 020 8416 8989

Take home your tasty treats

WANNABE chefs aiming for the success of Jamie Oliver and Gordon Ramsay can boost their skills with a home-made cooking holiday fun workshop in Ruislip.

Under the guidance of an experienced in-house chef, learn how to make a variety of delicious freshly prepared foods, all to take home and eat!

The menu includes burgers with fresh relish and chips, cheesecake, golden flapjack and fruit tarts, all washed down with zingy lemonade. Ideal for any child aged six to 10 with a love of food.

Booking is essential.

what? Home-made cooking holiday fun workshop where? The Windmill Studio, Pembroke Road, Ruislip when? Tuesday, August 24, 2-5pm cost? £17.50 contact: Judy McPhee 01895 624 755 or email thewindmillstudio@ gmail.com see: www.thewindmillstudio.com

Snap up abstract Vast Expanse photography

ABSTRACT streetscape photography by Nicky Young is occupying The Wall at The Gallery in Willesden Green.

The exhibition Vast Expanse comes from the snapper, originally from Wiltshire but now living in Manchester, where she completed a photography degree at Manchester Metropolitan University two years ago.

She said: "Focusing on scrutinising the dirty pots and pans we see every day but take for granted, I hope to transport the viewer into another world.

"My aim is to challenge how we perceive the mundane and banal objects that surround us by recycling them, through photography, into aesthetic images.

"I ultimately want to show that what we see is up to how we look at things, and just by changing that act of looking we can create something awe-inspiring from something redundant

what? Photography exhibition where? The Gallery at Willesden Green, Willesden Green Library Centre, High Road, Willesden Green when? Daily 2-6pm, until Saturday, September 11 cost? Free see: www.nyoungphotography.com